About — Pickleball for Parkinson's of Connecticut

Parkinson's Disease

What is Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement, though it can also impact mental health, sleep, and cognitive function. It occurs when nerve cells in a specific part of the brain — the substantia nigra — become impaired or die.

These cells normally produce dopamine, the chemical messenger that allows the brain to coordinate smooth, controlled muscle movements. When dopamine levels drop significantly, physical symptoms begin to appear. Symptoms usually start gradually and worsen over time.

Motor Symptoms

Tremors (shaking at rest)
Bradykinesia (slowed movement)
Rigidity (muscle stiffness)
Postural instability (impaired balance)

Non-Motor Symptoms

Depression & anxiety
Sleep disorders, including acting out dreams
Loss of smell
Constipation
Cognitive changes (memory or focus)

What Causes PD?

The exact cause is still unknown, but experts believe it is a combination of:

Genetics — family history increases risk
Environment — pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals
Age & sex — most often after 60; ~1.5x more common in men

Exercise as Medicine

How Parkinson's Is Treated — and Why Movement Matters

There is currently no cure for Parkinson's, but treatment can significantly improve quality of life. The standard toolkit includes medication (typically Levodopa with Carbidopa), Deep Brain Stimulation surgery in some cases, and physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Increasingly, exercise is viewed not just as a supplement to PD treatment, but as a form of "medicine" that can directly influence brain health and the disease's progression. Studies show regular, targeted physical activity helps in three distinct ways:

Neuroplasticity & Brain Health

Exercise helps the brain "rewire" itself.

Neuroprotection — high-intensity exercise may protect neurons and increase release of dopamine and BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)
Improved signaling — consistent activity raises dopamine receptor density
Disease modification — workouts at ~80% max heart rate may slow clinical progression, not just manage symptoms

Management of Motor Symptoms

Targeted activity addresses the physical challenges of PD.

Balance & gait — tango, Tai Chi, and yoga improve postural stability and reduce fall risk
Rigidity & strength — resistance training counteracts stiffness and muscle loss
Tremors & coordination — skilled, timing-based activities like boxing, cycling — and pickleball — improve fine motor control

Relief of Non-Motor Symptoms

Exercise reaches symptoms that aren't movement-related.

Cognition — aerobic exercise improves executive function: planning, focus, memory
Mental health — a proven tool for reducing depression and anxiety, both common in PD
Secondary issues — helps relieve constipation and improves sleep quality

Why Pickleball

The right sport for PD — and for community.

Pickleball checks every box the research points to: it's aerobic, it requires fast reaction time and coordination, it involves multi-directional movement, and it's intensely social. The court is small, the rules are simple, and the learning curve is forgiving — so people newly diagnosed and people years in can play side by side.

Just as importantly, pickleball is fun. The single best predictor of whether someone will keep exercising is whether they enjoy it. Our weekly play group is built around that fact.

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The Founder

Ken Dixon

My Parkinson's story started on a bright sunny day in 2014. I had just started on a walk with my wife with the sun at my back. While looking at my shadow in front of me, I noticed that my left arm was not swinging in stride normally. I pointed this out to my wife, and she recommended that I see a doctor to assess the lack of arm swing.

After many tests and neurology exams, it was determined that I had Parkinson's disease. On August 1, 2015 I officially started taking my dopamine medications.

Pickleball for Parkinson's of Connecticut started where so many good things start — on the court, with friends, finding out that the right kind of movement changes everything.

P4PCT exists to share that experience with others living with Parkinson's in our community — and to channel the energy of the game into research that helps everyone affected by the disease.

About Parkinson's, Pickleball & Our Founder